{"id":100019,"date":"2025-07-21T09:23:26","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T05:23:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/?p=100019"},"modified":"2025-07-21T11:16:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T07:16:41","slug":"a-talk-with-hps-green-visionary-lavina-punjabi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/a-talk-with-hps-green-visionary-lavina-punjabi\/","title":{"rendered":"A Talk with HP\u2019s Green Visionary: Lavina Punjabi"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a special feature for TECHx Media\u2019s Women in Tech<\/a> spotlight, we sat down with Lavina Punjabi, Sustainability Lead at HP<\/a> Middle East and Africa. From her early beginnings in Sharjah to a transformative career that blends technology, business, and environmental impact, Lavina shares her journey with clarity, depth, and inspiring purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The School Leader<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lavina Punjabi was born and raised in Sharjah and completed her early education at The Emirates National School in Sharjah and Our Own English High School in Dubai. \u201cThese institutions have long championed female empowerment in the UAE,\u201d she says, reflecting on the leadership roles she embraced from a young age, including head girl, prefect, and house captain. These experiences helped develop her confidence, collaborative spirit, and a deep sense of responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBeing actively involved in both cultural and academic communities shaped my perspective and voice,\u201d she adds, crediting her early environment with reinforcing the UAE\u2019s progressive stance on empowering young girls as future leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She pursued a Bachelor\u2019s in Computer Information Systems at Skyline University College<\/a> in Sharjah, which first sparked her passion for merging technology with purpose. Seeking a global view of business operations and strategy, she later earned dual master\u2019s degrees, an International MBA from Griffith University in Australia and a Master\u2019s in Supply Chain Management from MIT Zaragoza in Spain, affiliated with MIT Boston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese institutions not only focused on academic excellence,\u201d Lavina says, \u201cbut also instilled ethical values, progressive thinking, and adaptability to cross-cultural environments.\u201d The experiences laid the foundation for her career, merging technical expertise with strategic leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking Into Tech<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lavina began her professional journey at Redington Gulf in 2006 as a Product Executive for HP Servers. \u201cIt was more than a first job, it was a formative learning ground,\u201d she recalls. The role allowed her to apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges in inventory, operations, and pricing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2017, she joined HP\u2019s Personal Systems division. Five years later, she transitioned into her current role as Sustainability Lead for HP Middle East and Africa. This shift, she explains, was driven by a combination of the UAE\u2019s growing emphasis on sustainable development, her personal desire to contribute to environmental well-being, and a deep alignment with HP\u2019s Sustainable Impact framework, which is built on Climate Action, Human Rights, and Digital Equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>
\n

\u201cThis role feels like the intersection of purpose and profession,\u201d she shares. \u201cIt\u2019s where my values meet the scale and ambition of global impact.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Career Snapshot<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lavina\u2019s academic and professional path reveals a well-rounded blend of global education and cross-functional expertise:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • 2001\u20132005<\/strong>: Bachelor\u2019s in Computer Information Systems, Skyline University College, UAE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2006\u20132009<\/strong>: Product Executive \u2013 HP Servers, Redington Gulf, UAE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2009\u20132011<\/strong>: International MBA, Griffith University, Australia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2011\u20132012<\/strong>: Master\u2019s in Supply Chain Management, MIT Zaragoza, Spain (affiliated with MIT Boston)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2012\u20132016<\/strong>: Customer Service Specialist, Caterpillar, UAE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2016\u20132017<\/strong>: Logistics and Procurement, IHC Holland, UAE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2017<\/strong>: Joined HP as Junior ACM \u2013 Personal Systems, UAE<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • 2022\u2013Present<\/strong>: Sustainability Lead, HP Middle East & Africa, UAE<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cEach stage contributed to a well-rounded skillset,\u201d she says, \u201cshaping my ability to lead with purpose and drive cross-functional impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Owning the Sustainability Agenda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As the region\u2019s Sustainability Lead, Lavina focuses on embedding sustainability across business functions and communities. Her work includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Executing global programs like HP Planet Partners and the Supplies Take Back initiative, tailored to local markets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Equipping internal Sustainability Champions and sales teams with tools to drive sustainability conversations with customers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Translating global sustainability strategy into regional action plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      She highlights several initiatives under her leadership:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • The Changemakers Challenge under the EXPO School Programme, showcased at COP28<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • The HP GameOn Hackathon series across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa through the HP Gaming Garage Lab<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • A special 2025 edition of the hackathon in collaboration with Dubai Tourism (DET)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Overseeing CSR initiatives for three years, working with NGOs and community groups to create impactful programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Closing the Awareness Gap<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        One of the most significant challenges Lavina identifies is raising awareness around sustainability. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about running programs, it\u2019s about helping people really understand the why behind them,\u201d she says. To bridge this gap, she works to provide tools, training, and resources that empower HP teams, partners, and customers to make informed and sustainable choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Dance, Cricket, and Connection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Lavina\u2019s weekends are dedicated to what she loves most, dance, cricket, and family. She enjoys Bollywood dance, from semi-classical to contemporary styles, which she says helps her stay grounded and energized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Her passion for cricket began with Sachin Tendulkar\u2019s legendary \u201cDesert Storm\u201d innings in 1998, watched live in Sharjah. Since then, she has attended World Cup matches in Australia and England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cAbove all,\u201d she says, \u201cspending time with family and friends gives me the reset I need. Whether it\u2019s a casual get-together or a quiet meal at home, those shared moments keep me connected and balanced.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Impact That Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Lavina takes pride in the tangible results of her work. She supports HP\u2019s regional implementation of initiatives such as AMPLIFY IMPACT, Planet Partners, and local environmental efforts including carbon neutrality projects, community planting, and cleanups. These programs not only foster regional engagement but also provide practical, culturally relevant sustainability tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n

        She also works closely with HP\u2019s global education team to expand digital skills training in the MEA region. Through platforms like HP LIFE and HP Gaming Garage, along with events like hackathons and bootcamps, Lavina is helping drive HP\u2019s ambition to empower 150 million people by 2030.<\/p>\n<\/div>

        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cI also contribute to CSR initiatives that support marginalized communities,\u201d she explains, \u201cenhancing employability through IT training and digital equity efforts that align with HP\u2019s human rights commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Words to Young Women<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        To young women aspiring to make their mark in tech and leadership, Lavina shares this message:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cBe bold. Be curious. Dream bigger than what feels comfortable. Doors will open in ways you never imagined, just as they did for me when I pursued not one, but two master\u2019s degrees, something I hadn\u2019t envisioned at the outset. Trust the process, even when the path feels unclear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        She also emphasizes the power of collaboration. \u201cOne quote I often use at work is: \u2018Teamwork makes the dream work\u2019<\/em>, a reminder that supporting those around you brings deeper fulfilment than any milestone alone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Inspired by Many<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Lavina attributes much of her success to the support of family, teachers, and mentors. \u201cTheir guidance and belief have been unwavering,\u201d she says. She also acknowledges the professional leaders and colleagues who have shaped her outlook and leadership style across the organizations she\u2019s worked with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        From her beginnings in Sharjah to shaping HP\u2019s sustainability strategy across MEA, Lavina Punjabi\u2019s journey is a compelling example of what\u2019s possible when passion, purpose, and perseverance come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        In a special feature for TECHx Media\u2019s Women in Tech […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":58,"featured_media":100021,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[957],"tags":[4389],"contributor":[9732],"class_list":["post-100019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-women-in-tech","tag-women-in-tech","contributor-news-desk"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/lavina-08.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lubna","author_link":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/author\/lubna\/"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/58"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100019"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":100050,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100019\/revisions\/100050"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100021"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100019"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/techxmedia.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=100019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}